5 Stocks to Play the Shutdown

Consider selling puts on several multinationals that can benefit from Capitol Hill gridlock.

In the midst of all the political flatulence swirling around the U.S. government shutdown, two facts do not stink.

The dollar is weaker against the euro, dropping to an eight-month low, and equity volatility, as measured by the Chicago Board Options Exchange's Volatility Index (VIX) is higher. These conditions create opportunities for nimble...